Help Is Needed to Save an Important Part of the Barnum Community [VIDEO]

The aftermath, devastation, and impact of a natural disaster on a community never receives the same attention it does while in the eye of the storm. There are occasional updates, sure. But the communities affected face with the aftermath of the destruction daily. While on June 20th, 2012, the flood hit many parts of Duluth, Superior and surrounding areas, Barnum (my hometown,) was hit pretty hard as well.

The heart of the community, Lou’s Rustic Diner, was one of the hardest hit in downtown Barnum. Established in 1979, Lou’s has been a huge part of Barnum for over 30 years.

This is just one of many heartbreaking images of what Lou’s and downtown Barnum looked like during the flood:

Photo by Amber Paulson

Lou’s Diner owners Lou and Robin Paulson and daughter Amber donated all the food from the restaurant to feed the 300 people daily who were displaced from their homes and the volunteers.

Without flood insurance, the cost to reopen Lou’s is expected to be between $75,000-$100,000.

This video was made to help raise money so one day residents can again start their day with a cup of coffee and a cookie at Lou’s. Or the high school teams can carbo-load on spaghetti the night before a big game. Or enjoy a home cooked meal and great conversation without doing the dishes.

This isn’t about reopening a restaurant. It’s about rebuilding a community.

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